Riff: The Strokes – “Welcome to Japan”

I didn’t want to notice/Didn’t know the gun was loaded/Didn’t really know this/What kind of asshole drives a Lotus?

Threaded with a Lost in Translation culture shock, ambiguity may play us for a fool, but it appears as though Casablancas is trying to skewer those who put their cart before their horse. Just a shame its staccato grit sounds so uninspired it could be an early Foals track; [LISTEN].

Comedown 80s

Never heard of Foals but thanks. I think The Strokes have always been ambiguous but that leaves more room for imagination and questions that of course we shouldn’t ask, what’s the point. The Strokes rock. Welcome to Japan is a favorite of mine.

Gavin Paul

True story. Their blasé, ambiguous ‘tude has always been part of their allure. But this track, it’s like it becomes the Lotus it’s chastising – a cheap, tired thrill.

Riff by Gavin Paul

Gavin Paul is SONGLYRICS' resident Content Guru. Chicago-bred, New York-sculpted, his words and ideas have appeared in publications ranging from Spin and Rolling Stone to The Chicago Sun-Times and Arborist News.